AC sign Rui Costa - reports

A report from Italian TV station Rai has claimed that AC Milan and Fiorentina have agreed a transfer fee for Portuguese star Manuel Rui Costa.

However, there has been no official conformation from any of the interested parties, but should Costa move to the Rossoneri, they will have beaten off competition from Parma who offered $US 55million for Costa and goalkeeper Francesco Toldo.

Vittorio Cecchi Gori, owner and President of the Viola, is attempting to save his team from
bankruptcy, and has to work quickly to bring $US 70million to his club before next Tuesday.

If Cecchi Gori cannot balance the books in the next five days, his team will not be allowed to compete in next seasons Serie A.

With this impending deadline we will probably see most of the jewels in the Viola family crown sold in the next couple of days.

As for Rui Costa, if his transfer is confirmed, it will bring the viola a much needed $US 50m.

However, on Wednesday the player expressed his delight at being linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"I'm very happy and honoured to be on Real Madrid's agenda as it has one of the world's stronger squads, but no one from Real has spoken to me yet."

He added that Fiorentina's financial situation was the main drive behind any deal: "Two days ago I was inegotiable, but now it seems that I must go."

"The financial situation is very messy."